Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Singapura is a rare and unique breed originating from the island of Singapore. The first references to small cats with ticked coats and large eyes date back to the mid-20th century. Locals called them “drain cats” because they were often found living in the city’s drainage canals. In the 1970s, several of these cats were brought to the United States, where selective breeding began. Thanks to dedicated breeders, the Singapura was officially recognized and gained international fame. Today, it is valued for its tiny size, expressive eyes, and distinctive appearance, serving as a living symbol of its homeland.
General Appearance
The Singapura is a miniature, graceful, and well-balanced cat with a sturdy skeleton and well-developed muscles despite its small size. Its main distinguishing features are its large, expressive eyes, prominent ears, and characteristic “sepia agouti” ticked coat. The body is compact, the chest rounded, the back straight, the legs slender and proportionate, and the paws small and oval. The tail is medium in length, tapering gently to a rounded tip. The coat is short, fine, close-lying, and features distinct double ticking. The overall impression is one of liveliness and elegance — a refined, energetic cat with a unique, recognizable breed type.
Important Proportions
The proportions of the Singapura emphasize small size combined with solid structure. The body is proportionate to the limbs, and the head harmonizes naturally without appearing either large or small. The ears are relatively large, giving the breed its distinctive look. The eyes are wide-set and large, dominating the facial expression. The tail is medium length, tapering and no longer than the torso. The balance between the body and leg length gives a compact, yet refined appearance. Every feature should blend harmoniously, forming a light and elegant silhouette consistent with ICCF standards.
Temperament and Behavior
The Singapura is lively, affectionate, and friendly. It is active and curious but never destructive. Highly social, it bonds closely with its owner and enjoys companionship without being overly demanding. Intelligent and adaptable, the Singapura quickly adjusts to new surroundings and coexists well with children and other pets. Energetic yet cautious, it explores confidently but avoids unnecessary aggression. Its personality reflects the perfect balance of playfulness and tenderness, making it an ideal companion cat.
Head
The head of the Singapura is small yet proportionate, with gently rounded contours and smooth transitions. The skull is slightly domed without flatness, creating a harmonious appearance. The forehead is slightly curved, blending into a straight, medium-length nose without a stop or bump. Cheeks are softly defined, the chin strong and aligned with the nose. The shape of the head highlights the breed’s signature large eyes and ears. It must not appear heavy, pointed, or flat.
Facial Features
The face is delicate, expressive, and symmetrical. The muzzle is short but softly rounded, neither blunt nor square. The nose is straight and medium in width, with a pink leather often outlined in a darker shade matching the coat. Lips are neat and firm, whisker pads lightly defined, whiskers long and pale. The chin is strong, complementing the correct bite. The face should appear open and friendly, with a curious and gentle expression.
Eyes
The eyes are the hallmark of the breed — large, bright, and wide-open. Slightly almond-shaped but tending toward round, they are set wide apart in proportion to the nose width. Acceptable colors include green, hazel, or amber, all of which must be vivid and clear. Dark eye-lining is mandatory, enhancing their expressiveness. The gaze is lively and intelligent, reflecting the Singapura’s alert and sociable temperament. Dull or small eyes detract from breed type.
Ears
The ears are relatively large compared to the head, giving the breed its characteristic look. Broad at the base, they taper gently to rounded tips. Set high and slightly forward, they convey alertness and curiosity. The inner surface is sparsely furred and open. The ears must not be small, low-set, sharply pointed, or overly wide apart — all such faults disturb the breed’s balance.
Neck
The neck is slender and medium in length — elegant yet strong enough to support the head. It connects smoothly to the shoulders, maintaining a natural flow in the silhouette. Males may have a slightly stronger neck, while females are finer and lighter. The skin should be tight and smooth. The neck emphasizes the breed’s compactness and graceful proportions.
Body
The body of the Singapura is small but muscular and firm. It is of medium length with a rounded chest and straight back. The abdomen is taut, never sagging. The shape is balanced and symmetrical, with well-developed muscles that belie its small weight. The body must not appear elongated or too short — always compact, strong, and balanced.
Tail
The tail is medium in length, slender, flexible, and tapers evenly to a rounded tip. It must be proportionate to the body and follow its natural line. It moves gracefully without stiffness or breaks. Kinks, bumps, or excessive shortness are serious faults.
Forelimbs
Forelegs are fine and elegant, medium in length, with light but firm bones and elastic muscles. Elbows point straight back, pasterns strong and slightly slanted. Paws are small, oval, and neat, with close toes and smooth pads, which may be pink or dark depending on coat color. Limbs should enhance agility and balance.
Hind Limbs
Hind legs are slightly longer than the forelegs, giving the body a subtle rise toward the hindquarters. Thighs are muscular, hocks firm and parallel. Paws are compact and oval, matching the front. Incorrect angulation, cow-hocks, or poor movement are considered faults.
Movement
The Singapura moves lightly and smoothly with a graceful, silent gait. The stride is long and elastic, combining agility and confidence. The back remains straight and stable in motion. Movements must reflect energy and precision. Stiffness or imbalance is unacceptable.
Coat
The coat is short, fine, silky, and close-lying. The texture is smooth and lustrous, with little to no undercoat. Each hair displays two or three distinct color bands, producing the signature shimmering effect. The chest and belly are lighter, almost ivory, while the back and flanks are warmer and richer in tone.
Accepted Colors
Only one color pattern is permitted — sepia agouti. Each hair is ticked two or three times, with a light base and dark tips. The overall tone is warm beige or golden ivory with darker shading on the back, and lighter undersides. Distinct dark lines extend from the eyes toward the nose, emphasizing expression. White patches, tabby markings, or solid colors are not allowed.
Size
The Singapura is the smallest recognized cat breed in the world. Females weigh 2–3 kg, males 3–3.5 kg (occasionally up to 4 kg). Despite their small size, they are solid and muscular, never fragile. Height at the withers is about 20–25 cm, with body and tail in balanced proportion. Final physical maturity and muscle tone develop around 18–24 months.
Faults
Faults include deviations that compromise harmony or breed type: overly large or long body, weak bone structure, flat or pointed head, small or dull eyes, incorrectly shaped or small ears, lack of ticking, uneven coat color, long or harsh coat texture, and unbalanced proportions. Movement faults such as stiffness, cow-hocks, or poor coordination are also penalized. The essential traits — compact size, expressive eyes, and clear ticking — must always be preserved.
Disqualifications
Disqualifying faults include major deviations from ICCF standards: lack of or distorted ticking, presence of white patches, tabby striping, solid colors, or spotting. Eye color outside the permitted range (blue, yellow, or mixed), heterochromia, or strabismus are disqualifying. Tail deformities such as kinks or knots, severe bite faults (undershot, overshot), missing teeth, or jaw deformities are also disqualifying. Cats showing aggression, extreme fear, or congenital defects, as well as those without official ICCF documentation, are not eligible for breeding or exhibition.
Important Notes
Because of the Singapura’s rare genetic heritage, breeding must be approached with caution. The primary ICCF goal is to preserve typical traits: small size, large eyes and ears, and a short ticked coat with characteristic shimmer. Crossbreeding with other breeds is strictly prohibited, as it dilutes type. Kittens may appear lighter, with final coloration and eye tone developing by 18–24 months. ICCF breeders are encouraged to maintain genetic diversity, prevent hereditary diseases, and follow ethical breeding practices.
Conclusion
The Singapura is a true jewel of world felinology, combining tiny size, expressive appearance, and a joyful temperament. Within ICCF, it is regarded as a model of harmony and refinement. Its signature traits include a compact body, large almond-shaped eyes, prominent ears, warm sepia-agouti ticking, and an overall impression of delicacy and charm. Only cats with official ICCF documents confirming pure lineage and standard compliance may participate in shows or breeding programs. The mission of ICCF and responsible breeders is to preserve health, type purity, and the international prestige of this remarkable breed — a living emblem of grace and balance.
